Program Strategy

The wizard makes it easy to create programs — the harder question is how many you actually need and what terms to offer. A few rules of thumb will keep the portfolio manageable.

One program vs several

Start with one. Split into multiple programs only when the terms genuinely differ — a different commission rate for top-tier partners, or a separate offer for a product line with different margins. Every extra program is another set of links, codes, and reports to manage.

Cash vs store credit vs discount

The Commission Setting shapes partner behavior:

• Cash is the universal motivator and the default for most programs
• Store Credit works when partners are also loyal customers
• Discount trades partner earnings for a shopper-facing incentive

When discount codes beat links

Links win online, but codes win anywhere a link can’t be clicked: podcasts, newsletters, offline events, and word-of-mouth audiences. For program one, keep it simple — one rate, the 30-day default cookie, and a generous usage limit. You can always tighten terms once you see real data.